Kverneland adds SpotSpray option to improve sprayer accuracy

Kverneland has added three new options to its range of mounted and trailed sprayers, all aimed at increasing application accuracy.

The first is SpotSpray, which is an extension of the variable rate application maps already used on some of the firm’s seed drills and fertiliser spreaders.

Sprayers equipped with iXspray software and iXflow Air or iXflow E individual nozzle control can now use the SpotSpray option to apply product based on a treatment map.

These maps – which are loaded into the control terminal – see the sprayer automatically control individual nozzles through the SpotSpray software and GPS to apply a prescribed rate.

See also: Scottish entrepreneur builds spot spraying tech on a budget

Maps can be used to spot-spray weed patches or avoid treating bare patches where a crop has failed, potentially reducing waste and cutting costs compared with blanket applications.

In addition to the new software, a 25cm nozzle spacing option is available, allowing booms to work at a lower height of 30cm, rather than 50cm, to reduce drift.

© Kverneland

To allow this to be done safely, Kverneland has also updated its Boom Guide ProActive ultrasonic boom control system.

The firm claims its advanced sensor technology delivers greater boom height precision and consistency at higher forward speeds.

All options are available on the tractor-mounted iXter A and iXter B models, and the iXtrack trailed range, which includes the T3, T4 and T6 versions spanning 2,600-7,400 litres.

The SpotSpray software costs £1,045 for all models equipped with iXspray hardware, and the price of 25cm nozzle spacing starts at £286/m.

The boom guidance update costs from £12,677 as a three-sensor set. However, choosing a 36m boom that can also operate at 24m requires a five-sensor system priced at £16,295.

This provides two outer pairs – one for at 36m and the second for running a 24m span.